WA’s 2022 Young Australian of the Year, Blue Tree Project founder Kendall Whyte, visited The Kids Research Institute Australia today to share her message that ‘it’s ok to not be ok’.
Trees painted blue to spark awareness for mental health have become a regular sight in Australia’s cities and rural areas, with Kendall’s vision striking a chord across the nation.
The trend started when Kendall’s brother Jayden painted a tree blue on the family farm in the central wheatbelt as a practical joke.
When Jayden tragically took his own life in 2018, the practical joke became a tribute as dead trees became navy landmarks in the closeknit rural community. Now, trees have been given ‘a blue lease on life’ in every continent bar Antarctica.
“It really resonated with people online,” Kendall told staff assembled for the event. “There is a change happening and we are proud to be part of that change.”
We believe these trees are out there acting as visual reminders for those that need to check in on themselves or loved ones.
The Kids Research Institute Australia PhD student Megan Ansell, one of six Embrace 2022 Research Award winners, also shared an update on her award-winning project.
“This project will develop a resource for professionals in how to interact with young people to reduce stigma and self-stigma,” Megan said.
“We understand now that adolescents aren’t just tiny adults – they’re in a unique development period which makes their experiences unique,” Megan said.
The Blue Tree Project recently joined Embrace @ The Kids Research Institute Australia as a community partner.
While opening the event, Embrace Program Manager Grace Brown spoke about the importance of strong partnerships within the communities impacted by its research.
“Everything we do at Embrace aims to centre community voices. We’re excited to be working with the Blue Tree Project as Kendall and her team are so connected with and committed to communities across Western Australia’s cities and regional areas.”
Blue Tree Project founder Kendall Whyte (bottom right) with staff at an event held with Embrace @ The Kids Research Institute Australia.